“NEW Perlis” has become a hot topic among people in this state after Perikatan Nasional (PN) emerged victorious in Saturday’s general election.

PN is forming the next state government after winning 14 out of the 15 state seats, in addition to making a clean sweep of all three parliamentary constituencies – Padang Besar, Arau and Kangar – in the polls.

A Bernama survey found that the people of Perlis are ready to come under the administration of PN, which promises a “New Perlis”.

Forty-three-year-old Shahril Abu Seman, a private-sector worker, said he hoped that the PN government will bring development to the state, which is seen as lagging behind other states.

“Perlis can be seen to be behind by five years compared with other states. We hope the Perlis PN leaders can fulfil their pledges and responsibilities,” he said today.

Shahril said the people of Perlis made a bold move in electing PN because they trust the coalition’s capability in bringing change to the state.

“We will give PN five years to govern the state. If it fails to fulfil its promises, we will vote for another change,” he said.

Sixty-one-year-old Loo Chin Soon, a gas tank dealer in Kangar, concurred, saying although the previous government was good at channelling aid, perhaps the people want something different.

He hoped the new assemblymen will improve the livelihood of the people.

“The previous assemblymen were also good and there was no problem. But a wave of change swept through the state this election and I hope they (the PN assemblymen) are capable of carrying out their duties,” he said.

Self-employed Hasmizan Hussein, 43, hoped that the menteri besar candidate will be someone with a good personality, is people-friendly and, most importantly, is around when Perlis folk need him.

“I see that the candidates can work. We’ll let them try first and then we’ll judge them,” he said.

“The main thing is, they must always meet us and, hopefully, make Perlis a more advanced state.”

Perlis police chief Surina Saad said the process of forming the new government in the state went smoothly and peacefully.

“Alhamdulillah, the situation in Perlis is peaceful and nothing untoward or any provocation has occurred so far,” she said. – Bernama, November 21, 2022.